The Rusty String Express

Acoustic Band from Oakland, CA - Will travel up to 500 miles

12

16
VERIFIED BOOKINGS

MEMBER SINCE 2013

BOOKED {{daysSinceLastBookingText()}}

BACKGROUND VERIFIED

$300 - $5000
per event

The Rusty String Express celebrates string band traditions of the past while stretching into the unknown. Creating original music with unique and familiar flavors - The RSE is an exciting mash up of acoustic excitement, bubbling creativity, and excellent musicianship. Best of all are the original tunes coming out of this creative quartet.

Aaron Balano on dobro, Alison Bailey Streich on violin, Greg Dunn on bass and Steve Cornell on guitar. These four magnetic musicians run the gamut with their playing, and all four are masterful wielders of their instruments. Their music ranges from sensitive and soulful interpretations, to wild and unexpected music you've never heard before.

Their repertoire is very original, with each member contributing unique compositions. Interspersed throughout their set are exciting versions of tunes the listener has heard before. They tip their collective hat to Thelonius Monk, Dave Brubeck, The Meeters, Duke Ellington, Django Reinhart, Van Morrison, The Cramps....and, of course, a handful of ragtime, Irish, old time, bluegrass and American tunes. There's something for everyone!

Equally at home on stage in a concert venue, or at a party in a client's backyard, The Rusty String Express provides the perfect music for any setting. And these four pro players are able to rise and rock at the break of dawn, or play late into the wee hours. Or both! Any place that needs music....The Rusty String Express is ready to go!

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Birthday Party (Adult)

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My wife and I booked RSE to play our co-50th Birthday party. What a great decision! Allison and the band were extremely professional and collaborative and immediately understood our objectives for the event. We were seeking music occupying that elusive sweet spot between background music and full blown wedding/party band and RSE delivered. The musicianship was first rate with the band playing songs ranging from traditional Irish tunes and Van Morrison to Herbie Hancock and The Violent Femmes. Our guests, including musician friends, thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment but were still able to connect with friends and converse throughout the evening.

(more)Review by Jerry R.
from Alameda, CA on
2/20/2016

Wedding Reception

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ABSOLUTELY THE PERFECT STRING BAND!!! From start to finish, the The Rusty String Express were JAMMING, accommodating, excellent communicators, and even learned a special song to make our day truly magical. It felt like having really good friends at our wedding performing and we were sincerely grateful for how they took care of us. They went above and beyond to help us out! We recommend this band for ANY occasion and will hire them again someday!

(more)Review by Michele P.
from Big Sur, CA on
8/25/2014

Wedding

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I cannot say enough good things about the Rusty String Express!!! They performed for the first 2/3 of our wedding including a ceremony where they performed a song that requested they learn alongside a friend of ours who is a singer. They well exceeded our expectations in learning the song and rehearsing it with our friend so that it was perfected by the time of ceremony. The music that they played throughout the rest of the wedding was perfection and I would highly recommend them to anyone!!!